The Tennessee Vols’ program was rocked late last month with the news that linebackers coach William Inge was in the hospital with a serious medical issue.

The university released a statement on Twitter (X) back on September 24 stating the following:

“Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge has been in the hospital dealing with a personal medical issue. Coach Inge and his family appreciate your prayers, support, and we ask that you respect their privacy at this time.”

Inge has missed the previous three games as he deals with his medical issue. On the Vol Walk before Auburn, players and coaches wore t-shirts that said “Inge built”.

Rodney Garner discusses his relationship with William Inge and his family

Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner is someone who knows Inge well. Garner, who has been with Tennessee since 2021, has worked with Inge at the Tennessee program for the last three years, with Inge coming over from Washington after the 2023 season.

He was asked about Inge and being around him and his family and supporting them on Tuesday during his media availability session.

“Well, obviously I think Coach Inge is a really good man. I’ve been blessed to have gotten to know him in this short period of time. I’m really glad that God brought us all together. It’s sort of ironic. My family and his family are really close. The wives are really close because they’re probably just alike. They spend a lot of money and talk a lot. So they have a lot in common, you know. So, me and Coach Inge probably don’t talk as much, so when we get around, I just listen to them just and keep my mouth shut. But he’s got two beautiful daughters that are real close to my girls and, of course, Isaiah was a player in my room.

“So I just think they’re just a great family. And just trying to be there for them because I know if the shoe was on the other foot, I know that William Inge would be there for Rodney Garner and his family. So, I wanted to make sure that I always relayed to him, that no matter what, I was going to be there for Rae Ann and those kids, and we’re going to stand in the gap until he can fill those roles again.”

It’s clear that Inge and his family an ally behind them in Garner. Hopefully Vol fans will see Inge back to health soon and coaching what’s been one of the best linebacker groups in all of college football once again.